Well, most of you who read my previous post in december, will remember that I originally accepted a night position in pysch and then I changed my mind and declined. I told them that I did not think I could do nights but if they ever had a day position to keep me in mind. For some reason I would feel safer during the day and nights just made me nervous.
Fast forward: I just recieved a call from this facility yesterday. They have a day position open and would like to hire me. Apparently they were impressed with me during the interview. The nurse that was working this position is going to work closer to home.
I accepted and am going to meet with them on friday to go over the particulars. I dont feel as nervous this time around and I really think I will be okay with it. I know there are things that are going to make me nervous, but I am sure I will learn how to deal with the different situations.
If any of you are willing to share tips on how you deal with combative and assultive patients, these are the ones that make me the most nervous:sofahider, please share, it woud be greatly appreciated.:plsebeg:
P.S. After I got the call, which I did not put in for this position, I thought well maybe it is meant to be and this is where I am supposed to be.
I have worked in psy for 20 yrs and 17 of those were in a psychiatric ER which has the most acute psychiatric pts- brought in directly by police in handcuffs sometimes. I have never been assaulted in this setting. I think it is important to act sooner rather than later- don't wait until a pt has really escalated to address their agitation. Sometimes you have to restrain and medicate immediately as there is no reasoning with the pt. At other times you can engage the pt enough to get them to tell you what would help them regain control-"how can we help you to become calmer?" Try not to get emotional when the pt calls you old,ugly, ***** etc. Don't meet their anger with your own anger. Do thorough searches; we once had an old lady who had a revolver hidden under her wig for 1 week. And most importantly TRUST YOU INSTINCTS. Too many people look only at past history- the pt has no history of violence; if your gut tells you otherwise, listen to it. Instinct is an ancient survival adaptation that we humans possess; it is your best friend.
It is nice to hear some positive. Your advice about trusting your instincts is so true. Anyone can become violent at any time for any reason even without a past history. I appreciate all your advice. I look foward to the challenge.
Specializes in critical care; community health; psych.
ND Mom, I'm not a psych nurse. At least not yet. I am awaiting an offer that should come in the next couple of days so I'll be a newbie too. We had CPI training in nursing school. A couple of things I remember are to always be aware of our surroundings, don't let anything block your way between you and an exit. We did some physical simulations too. I remember zero, squat, nada about the physical simulations.
ND Mom, I'm not a psych nurse. At least not yet. I am awaiting an offer that should come in the next couple of days so I'll be a newbie too. We had CPI training in nursing school. A couple of things I remember are to always be aware of our surroundings, don't let anything block your way between you and an exit. We did some physical simulations too. I remember zero, squat, nada about the physical simulations.
Keep posting and best of luck.
Thank you for replying. I start my CPI training tomorrow. I am exicited and nervous at the same time. I will keep everyone updated on my progress.
Well I had my CPI training today and went spent alot of time on how to protect ourselves. We learned how to restrain a pt and how to extract ourselves from an attack.
We went over signs of anxiety in the pt that could lead to escalation and of course much more.
I do have to say that while I was sitting in class and practicing self defense as I would call it that I was thinking "Oh My" I sure hope I dont get my butt kicked in the first month on the job:lol2:.
I start my first day on the floor tomorrow and I am nervous and intrigued at the same time. Not sure what side I will be working, adolescents or adults, but it shouldnt be boring.
Well here's wishing me luck, will be back to post more later.
Little Panda RN, ASN, RN
816 Posts
It is nice to hear some positive. Your advice about trusting your instincts is so true. Anyone can become violent at any time for any reason even without a past history. I appreciate all your advice. I look foward to the challenge.